We have all become hyper-aware of the apparent harmful substances that manufacturers have managed to smuggle into an alarming number of everyday items. Staying informed is the first step to avoiding the purchase of these common products, and we will help you figure out how to select the good from the bad.

What are Parabens and Phthalates? 🤔
👉🏻 Parabens are a type of common preservative used in an array of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. They are historically very popular among manufacturers, due to their low cost and efficiency in a variety of formulas, even being used as food additives.

👉🏻 Phthalates are industrial solvents used as plasticizers to increase flexibility and durability in products like PVC, making them last longer, thus adding “value for money”, but also as binding agents for cosmetics and other hair and beauty products.


What are the health dangers of Parabens and Phthalates in the home? 🤔
Although still a commonly disputed theory, Parabens and Phthalates have been causing some worry in the cancer research field. The fact that the chemicals are easily traced in the blood and urine of test subjects who had applied lotions containing parabens only a few hours before, is making researchers want to take a second look at where prolonged paraben-exposure will lead to in the future. This is prompting many manufacturers themselves to put in the time and research to find replacements for the much-disputed chemicals – a necessary task, since parabens have also been blamed for many other health issues, such as allergic reactions, male infertility, endocrine disruption and other cancers.

What products commonly use Parabens and Phthalates? 🤔
Products containing parabens include moisturizers, anti-aging creams, foundations and any other beauty products that might be exposed to bacteria and therefore needs a bacteria-killing preservative, but are also found in foods such as sauces, jams, pickles, frozen dairy products, desserts, processed vegetables and meats and many more. As for phthalates, these are commonly found in various household items such as food containers, shower curtains, upholstery, floor tiles and cleaning materials, but have also found usage in the production of moisturizers, nail polish, hair products and soaps.

⚠️ Here’s a tip: if you can’t pronounce the name of an ingredient, it is time to look it up!

Here’s a list of ingredients you should avoid:
👉🏻  Phthalate
👉🏻  DEP
👉🏻  DBP
👉🏻  DEHP
👉🏻  Methylparaben
👉🏻  Butylparaben
👉🏻  Propylparaben 
👉🏻  Isobutylparaben (and honestly, any item that ends with –paraben)

As you go along and investigate the existing products in your home for these harmful chemicals, you will notice that they are everywhere and hard to avoid completely. However, due to world consumers now paying closer attention and redirecting their purchases towards greener, “cleaner” products, thankfully, many brands are now providing better and therefore “paraben-free” options for their customers.

As an health and environment-conscious brand, Mask Fragrances are 100% paraben and phthalate free, allowing you to safely eliminate any unwanted odors in your home.